After a 14 hour flight (which includes a 4 hour layover in LAX), I have finally arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng, South Africa. A bit dazed but thankful to be on solid ground again. Muchas gracias, South African Airways for keeping me safe. When I got down the ramp, the smell of the air is different. And there’s a certain electricity that I haven’t experienced before. It was in the wee hours of the morning and Dierdre — the cute female passenger who I became fast friends with on the flight — asked me if I wanted to go get a drink nearby. But my contact, Dennis was already waiting to pick me up outside. We quickly exchanged numbers not knowing if my mobile can contact hers.